Padres Game Recap – Apr. 18, 2015

The Padres almost forged their greatest comeback victory since 2007, but fell short to the Cubs 7-6.  These first two games at Wrigley have been anything but dull.  Yesterday the Pads triumphed, but today their improbable late comeback was squandered in the 11th to tie the series 1-1.

It didn’t look like it was going to be a comeback kind of day to start with as the Pads took san early 2-0 lead again thanks to the long ball. Matt Kemp logged his first round tripper as a Pad on a cut fastball out over from Hendricks, a 2-run line drive to left to give the Friars the early lead. Had it not been for a base running blunder by Myers who tried to advance to third from first on a base hit in front of him to left, it would have bene a 3-run lead.  Tyson Ross burned up 27 pitches in the first inning to work out of 2-out jam, but restored order over the next four innings to preserve the 2-0 head start.

The lead vanished in the 5th, however, as an Alonso error that could have been an inning ending double play instead allowed a run and kept the inning going for the second run to score.  Meanwhile Hendricks had settled down retiring 17 in a row after the Kemp homer.

The Cubs took the lead in the 7th on a solo homer by nemesis Miguel Montero, and added 3 more in the 7th with the big blow being another long ball by Montero to build a 6-2 lead.

Things looked gloomy for the boys heading into the ninth, but the Cubs soon found out that with this newly built explosive offense if you open the door a crack it could get kicked in right into your face.  It started harmlessly enough with a single by Alonso, and infield single by Kemp.  Not taking any chances Maddon went to his closer, Rondon, to protect the four run lead but the Friar rally continued.  Upton singled in Alonso. Middle brooks doubled in Kemp. Gyrko grounded out to score Upton getting the Pads to within 1 of tying with Middlebrooks on second and one out.  Amarista struck out, putting the last chance to complete the comeback on the shoulders of pinch hitter Yangervis Solarte. Down to his last strike Solarte clutched up and lined a single into right field to score Middlebrroks and tie the ballgame 6-6. Norris reached on an infield single and it looked like the Pads might be able to take the lead and hand it over to Kimbrel, but the final out was recorded to end the inning.

Thayer pitched a scoreless 9th to send it to extras. It remained deadlocked until Kimbrel entered the game in the 11th.  With one out Rizzo walked, and stole second.  Bryant reached on a slow rolling infield single that was bobbled by Amarista to allow him to reach safely, putting Rizzo at 3rd with 1 out. Buddy brought in the 5th infielder in Myers and positioned him at first, with Yonder sliding over to second, Gyorko behind the bag at second, and Amarista and Middlebrooks anchoring the left side. The defensive gymnastics made no difference though as Castro lined the first fastball he saw into left field for the game winning hit…ouch!

Bottom line, it was a great display once again of the capabilities that this offense now has. If the Pads had won it would have been the largest deficit overcome in the 9th to result in a win since 2007.  However, the base running and defense let the team down in several crucial moments today, and has been an issue in more than one of the Pads losses already this season.  That will have to change.

Of note was Upton leaving the game in the 10th after he doubled. It was reported after the game that he had a slight left quad strain. Hopefully nothing serious.

Tomorrow is a great match up with Cashner going agains Lester for the rubber match.  Rain is in the forecast so hopefully the game can be played in its entirety with out any delays.  Truth be told, with how much the bullpen has thrown recently and Upton’s strain, maybe a rain out wouldn’t be the end of the world helping the boys to roll into Colorado on Monday fresh…whatever will be, will be.  First pitch scheduled for 1:20 (CST…that would be 11:20 in San Diego), with the voice of the Padres, Ted Leitner, and myself bringing you the call on the Mighty 1090.  Hope you’ll join us!

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